INDIA: As India’s 15th president, Droupadi Murmu took the oath of office on Monday. She is the first member of a tribal group to hold the nation’s top constitutional position.
Chief Justice of India N V Ramana administered the oath to Murmu in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, and Amit Shah, among others.
Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation after taking office as India’s 15th president, saying it was an honour to lead the country as it celebrated its 75th anniversary of independence.
In her first address to the nation after becoming President, Droupadi Murmu said, “Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India.”
Murmu said that due to the power of the democracy, a daughter born in a remote tribal area was able to reach the highest constitutional post in India.
“Satisfying to me that the people who were devoid of development for years – the poor, Dalits, backward, and the tribals – can see me as their reflection. My nomination has the blessings of the poor behind it, it’s a reflection of the dreams and capabilities of crores of women.”
“Reaching the Presidential post is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor person in India. My election is evidence that the poor in India cannot just dream but also fulfil those dreams,” Murmu added.
Talking about the oath ceremony, PM Narendra Modi said, “The entire nation watched with pride as Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure.”
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